Roger Federer got his US Open campaign back on track but there was another battle for Rafael Nadal as they edged closer to a semi-final meeting.
After being taken to five sets in his opening two matches, Federer only needed an hour and 46 minutes to dismiss Feliciano Lopez 6-3 6-3 7-5.
The third seed’s movement was much improved and he made far fewer unforced errors as he set up a last-16 clash with German Philipp Kohlschreiber.
Federer said: “I struggled the first couple of rounds, but that had something to do with my opponents as well. I think I played a very clean match, I couldn’t be happier.
“To win in straight sets against Feliciano, who’s been such a tough competitor over the years, is such a great feeling.”
The night session was two and a half hours late starting after three long matches in the day, the last of which saw title favourite Nadal again recover from a set down.
The world number one has looked shaky so far and, after his struggle against Taro Daniel in round two, it was a similar story against lucky loser Leonardo Mayer.
Nadal won 16 of the final 21 games to clinch a 6-7 (3/7) 6-3 6-1 6-4 victory and a place in the last 16, where he will take on Alexandr Dolgopolov.
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